Monday, March 10, 2008

we're captive on the carousel of time

oh, I just love my boys so much. this is such a precious time and I do try my very best to embrace these days. It's so easy to let the day slip away DOING stuff and miss the sweetness of the moment. I thank God for giving me the gift, a mindful attitude toward the present, the "now." A few days ago Tyler fell asleep in my arms while I was rocking him...a rarity to be certain! It was nap time and he wanted me to hold him, so I sat on the little comfy chair in his room and rocked away. Slowly, he became heavier and heavier in my arms until our breathing matched each other and sleep came upon him. I started to get up, but decided to stay a bit longer...the laundry can wait, it will always be there. The kitchen floor can wait to be wiped, the dirt will be back tomorrow anyway and all the other things "calling my name" so loudly were silenced. I looked at the pictures surrounding me, the picture of me holding him just days after he was born....so tiny. And now, 1005 days later, so BIG in my arms. My eyes well up just thinking about it. Lord, please help me to number my days, (OUR days) that I may gain a heart of wisdom. I love this picture, Luke is such a ham and Tyler is loving every moment of it!

Now, let us not be fools and think that my days are filled with sunshine and laughter. They are hard, sometimes the entire week is hard...tiring, long, exhausting, and frustrating. But, I have found that the more days I get into THEIR world go a lot better then the days I spend PUTTING them into MINE! Yes, there are things to be done and projects to be completed, but my babies are neither one of those. Sometimes it's just CrAzY around here and I have to give into that and laugh and "roll with it" as it were. Letting go is a good thing, a necessary thing, a character thing. "Normal day, let me be aware of the treasure you are. Let me learn from you, love you, bless you before you depart. Let me not pass you by in quest of some rare and perfect tomorrow. Let me hold you while I may, for it may not always be so." ~Mary Jean Iorn Yes, these "normal days", they are blessings...in all their loud, dirty, hungry, whining ways...they are gifts!

"Sixteen springs and sixteen summers gone nowCartwheels turn to car wheels thru the townAnd they tell him,Take your time, it won't be long nowTill you drag your feet to slow the circles downAnd the seasons they go round and roundAnd the painted ponies go up and downWe're captive on the carousel of timeWe can't return we can only look behindFrom where we cameAnd go round and round and roundIn the circle game."~Joni Mitchell, "Circle Game"~

3 comments:

Janelle...Your photography is ever growing more professional and poignant by the day! These pictures are truly treasures (as are the sentiments between them!).THANK YOU soooo much for being a Vibrantly beautiful and fun "supporter". I am grateful to you! (not to mention having a makeup bag handy at any given notice. THAT'S a true friend!) :)Love,Jeane`

So cute! The little boys who once climbed all over each other in my bed would now take over the whole room!!! Were they to jump up and down, I fear I'd find my bed in the basement! Enjoy...enjoy....Cath Kidston is one of my favorites, also! There are a few stores in the US, but most are in Europe. I looked into getting a small line, but they don't work that way - it's REALLY expensive to buy into. My absolute favorites of hers are her camper and her little am/fm radio!!! So CUTE! I believe we still have some of her napkins and tissues in the shop - OH! You bought some the other day! The polka dot napkins are hers. FUN!

Hey, drop your number off some day - i told my mom and sister and your interest in filling in the shop. Let me know if you're serious about it and what kind of schedule would work. Thanks!

Janelle I am not married, nor do I have children...YET. I sure hope that when I do, I have your perspective and heart for my family. The more I read your blog the more I see we have in common, although we are in two different seasons of life. Just wanted to encourage you today and let you know that I love reading about your life on hear and LOVE the way you demonstrate your love to those around you. It is obvious to me that Christs love is flowing out of you and blessing those around you. You are a GEM!

Our Wedding Day!

Gazebo Nights

Vintage Photoshoot

Crockpot Granola

Daddy and his little girl!

love.

A French Dinner Party

vintage loveliness

safe in Daddy's strong hands

"Normal day, let me be aware of the treasure you are…Let me not pass you by in quest of some rare and perfect Tomorrow. One day I shall dig my nails into the earth, or bury my face in my pillow, or stretch myself taut, or raise my hands to the sky and want, more than all the world, your return."